Special disinfection measures relating to AIDS

The appearance of AIDS has thrown a new light on the problem of
hygiene in medical practice. The risk of transmission by contaminated equipment
is relatively low but it does exist.

However, no particular precautions need be taken because of the
AIDS virus (HIV). AIDS is not the first disease that can be transmitted by
contaminated equipment. Hepatitis B, in particular, can easily be transmitted in
this way.

If the elementary rules of asepsis involving the destruction or
the decontamination of soiled materials and the proper disinfection or
sterilisation of reusable medical equipment were respected they would be more
than sufficient to avoid the transmission of AIDS by medical or surgical acts.
But they are all too often neglected which involves a risk of contamination for
patients and health staff
alike.